Eating at the desk

Can I eat at my desk?

Employees are encouraged to take a lunch break away from their desks to eat and take a break from work in an attempt to promote health and wellbeing which ultimately increases productivity. Yet there are still too many employees who work and eat at their desk without taking a break.  Apart from the health concerns about not taking rest break or the drop in productivity during the latter part of the day, there is the added challenge of certain foods creating an issue for fellow colleagues.

Noisy or strong smelling foods in an open plan office can be irritating and interrupt others sharing the workplace.  Food and crumbs on desks can also can damage company property, look unsightly or become unhygienic.  

As an employer you can implement a policy to ban strong smelling food being consumed at the desk/workspace or implement a blanket ban on eating at desks is probably easier This removes the problem of strong food odours and noisy eaters in an open plan office but also encourages employees to take a break away from their desk.

Hot and cold drinks throughout the day are appropriate to have at desks as they keep individuals to remain hydrated. Although staff should be provided with some training about carrying hot drinks or having them on desks and the risks of drinks being spilt over equipment.